Caitlin Clark’s entire game has been under the spotlight since before she stepped onto the WNBA court. The Indiana Fever star is already hailed as an icon, while fans credit her for taking the league to new heights.
However, being an icon hasn’t kept Clark away from criticism. Many believe her game is still developing, hoping to see a more refined version of the star as she continues to play. This observation isn’t limited to fans and analysts, either.
Why Does Lauren Jackson Prefer Sue Bird Over Caitlin Clark as a Teammate?
Earlier in June, Lauren Jackson spoke about Clark’s fame and on-court game. The Seattle Storm legend had revealed she would have loved to play with the 23-year-old.
However, on a recent episode of ‘A Touch More With Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe,’ Jackson revealed she might have a different point guard in mind.
“I love Caitlin Clark. I’ve said that before. But…I do love her, but it was taken out of context. I’ve always said that Sue [Bird] is the one that…like you are the…,” Jackson began saying, only to be interrupted by the hosts.
While Bird looked to object, Rapinoe interjected with ‘babe, take it.’
Continuing, Jackson praised Bird as she said: “You are the best point guard I’ve ever played with, but you are completely different players to her. Like, and also too, she has got a lot of development and growth to come. But, I feel like you are the consumate professional. But I think the way that you are able to bring the team together and make a team hum. Like yeah, you’re the player that I actually got to play with and I would and I wish I could play with.”
Jackson did clarify her stance on playing with Clark as she explained, “I love watching her. I’m not sure I would have loved playing with her, though. Like I’m not sure, because I’d be like, ‘pass me the ball. I’m open. Give me the ball.'”
Bird pointed out that she averaged five assists in her career, while Clark sits at eight.
Jackson, though, disagreed. According to the Aussie legend, Clark would probably hit a three-pointer rather than pass the ball to her, which she believed would not work for her.
How Have Injuries Affected Clark’s 2025 Season Development?
While Jackson spoke of development, Clark’s multiple injuries have halted any on-court progress this season.
Prior to 2025, Clark had never missed a game due to injuries.
Caitlin Clark appeared to be in pain after this play late in the fourth quarter.
Clark returned to play last week after missing 5 games with a groin injury. pic.twitter.com/y78M3mDeCf
— espnW (@espnW) July 16, 2025
This season, Clark missed one game due to lower leg tightness during preseason, followed by five missed games due to her quad strain. A left groin injury followed, causing her to miss four more games.
In July, however, Clark re-injured her groin and hasn’t played since then.
She was averaging 16.5 points, five rebounds, and 8.8 assists this season. Though there’s no return timeline, Fever head coach Stephanie White hopes she can be back before the season ends.
